Senior Practitioner

Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

About the Business

Our Child and Family Support division provides stewardship and service delivery for the Child and Family Support System, designed to help children and their families with early targeted assistance to reduce incidents of child maltreatment and prevent children entering the child protection system.

Role Details

Safer Family Services (SFS) is looking for staff across all programs across South Australia. SFS Intensive Family Services (IFS) provides direct services to families through the antenatal period, for infants, children, and young people up to 18 years of age who are presenting with high level risks and complexities. SFS work in collaboration with both government and non-government organisations to improve the safety, emotional health and wellbeing of infants, children, and young people in South Australia.

SFS are seeking Senior Practitioners to join the team.

The role is responsible for:

• Providing high level support to Practitioners working with families and children from culturally diverse backgrounds who are at high risk of entering the child protection system.
• Contributing to case work and group work by supporting Practitioners to identify risks, conduct comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments and develop strategies to assertively engage vulnerable children and their families.
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders which create collaborative service opportunities for children and families in crisis or at risk of entering the child protection system.

We will provide:

• Flexible work arrangements
• A supportive and rewarding work environment
• Professional development opportunities

About You

We are looking for a confident individual who can work with families experiencing vulnerability and low levels of safety using a case management approach to assess, plan, refer and enable sustained intervention.

You will have experience in providing support to staff through coaching, mentoring and supervision.

You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain effective collaborative relationships with families, multi-disciplinary teams, and peers.

If you are seeking to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families, please apply now.

Special Conditions

Essential Qualifications:

AHP: An appropriate Social Work qualification from a recognised tertiary institution giving eligibility for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.

PO: Appropriate tertiary qualifications in community services, sociology, criminology, social sciences, human services, health, or a related field.

Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not have the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker and will be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department Human Services.

• National Police Check required.
• Employment-related Screening Check required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
• Must hold a current Australian issued driver's licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
• Role Status: Multiple long-term contracts (12 months)
• Potential opportunities for ongoing employment.

Contact Us

Enquiries to DHS SFS Recruitment, Email communication is preferred Email:

Diversity And Inclusion

DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at and a member of the team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.